Following father's footsteps

Tascosa QB Rittenberry's dad guided Rebs in 1982

David Rittenberry, left, started in two Amarillo High-Tascosa games, in 1981 as a Rebels defensive back and in 1982 as the quarterback. His son Parker, right, a senior, became the Rebels' quarterback this year and will start in the rivalry for the first time.

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It’s not just about the score. This year, your enthusiasm counts. Help Amarillo High or Tascosa win The Rivalry Spirit Cup by voting for your favorite team online at pigskinreview.com/therivalry. The school with the most “Likes” will have the trophy presented at its pep rally on Friday.

When Tascosa senior quarterback Parker Rittenberry steps under center to take his first snap Friday night against rival Amarillo High, one man sitting in the stands at Dick Bivins Stadium will flash back to 1982.

"I can still remember plays about that game," David Rittenberry said.

Friday's showdown will have a family theme: Like father, like son, 28 years apart.

David Rittenberry started for the Rebels against the Sandies twice - in 1981 as a defensive back and in 1982 as the quarterback.

"I do remember we got beat 28-24," David said of his senior season. "It was an intense game. A good friend of mine, Mike Nolan, was the quarterback at Amarillo High, so we were fighting it out all game.

"This is an unbelievable game to be part of. For high school kids, for a city to go to a high school game where you see anywhere from 12- to 15-thousand people attend, it's amazing. You just don't see that many other places. I do have fond memories playing in the game."

Now, it's David's son, Parker, who is making the memories.

Although David admits he can get "nervous" watching his son perform, Parker has blossomed into the top candidate for all-District 2-5A quarterback while leading the Rebs to a 3-0 district mark.

Parker's strong arm has produced 1,133 passing yards and 14 touchdowns and he can hurt defenses as a runner, ranking third among Rebel rushers with 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Parker started at quarterback for the Tascosa junior varsity as a sophomore, then stood patiently with the varsity during his junior season as Dalton Brooks' backup.

"Parker waited on it and waited on it," Tascosa coach Ken Plunk said of Parker becoming the starter. "Now, he is executing well and garnered the respect of his teammates and teams in the district. I see a different player from his first game. Every time he has gotten a win, or done something positive, he has gained confidence. He's really at his best when he executes the game plan."

Parker's quarterbacking days began in third grade, and he credits his dad with teaching him the intricacies of the position.

"I did grow up hoping I'd be the Tascosa quarterback one day," Parker said. "But I never knew for sure. It started when my dad began coaching me up to be a quarterback. His best advice has been to keep my head up and be a good sport. That's really helped me.

"And I like that he played quarterback. I can always ask him advice, and he's always there for me. He knows a lot about the position. I do take what he says to heart. This year has been a blast."

Parker became the teacher in one aspect at the Rittenberry household, though.

"Parker taught me how to throw a spiral," David said, bursting out in a laugh. "Playing quarterback is so much more technical now from when I played. The defensive schemes, the plays, the way the coaches coach. It's totally different. Parker throws it as much in one game as we threw it all year."

David said it's getting easier each game to watch Parker play and he has toned down the teaching lessons after a game.

"When Parker comes home at night, you want to sit down and tell him some things," said David, owner of RiverFields in Amarillo. "But he doesn't want to hear about it all the time. So I have learned. I am proud of Parker for hanging with it. Friday night will be a dream come true, seeing him play my old position and play for a district championship. I might get there at noon for the game."

Parker said he is thrilled the way Tascosa has rebounded from losing three games in a row to playing for a district title Friday night against Amarillo High.

"We were kind of nervous after we lost those three straight (in nondistrict)," Parker said. "We picked up the intensity of our practices, and some guys really stepped up. This is just another game for us. We really believe that because practice is always run the same.

"Now, I am excited to play in this rivalry, and it's a big deal for the community. And, hopefully, we will win a district championship."

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